Countries across Africa have taken measures such as diluting petrol and restricting electricity consumption to cope with the fuel crisis triggered by the US and Israel's war in Iran.
South Sudan has started to ration electricity in its capital, Juba, while Mauritius has imposed restrictions to reduce wastage especially in high-power consumption areas.
As governments scramble to find alternative sources of fuel, Ethiopian authorities have ordered suppliers to prioritize specific sectors such as security, while Zimbabwe is increasing the ethanol content in its petrol.
However, some nations such as Nigeria and South Africa could potentially benefit from new business as a result of the conflict.
South Sudan has some of East Africa's largest oil reserves, but the majority is exported, while it imports the refined product needed for fuel. According to the International Energy Agency, South Sudan generates 96% of its electricity from oil.
The power rationing comes on top of the intermittent cuts that have been ongoing since May last year due to maintenance operations.
On Wednesday, Juba's main electricity distributor, Jedco, said parts of the city would start experiencing daily power cuts on a rotational basis.
Due to the ongoing Iran-US conflict... Jedco must proactively manage its available energy reserves... we are prioritising a strategic rationing of power, it said.
Ereneo Mogga, an electrical engineer who lives in one of the worst affected parts of Juba, told the BBC that power often goes off at 16:00 and doesn't come back on until 04:00 the next day.
This paralyses most businesses, he said, adding that some of those who can afford it are switching to solar power.
It is very expensive though, but it costs less in terms of consumption.
The island nation of Mauritius is heavily dependent on oil imports for generating its electricity, with a shortage reportedly triggering an energy emergency.
According to the government, a shipment of oil that had been due to arrive over the weekend did not materialise, leaving the country with only 21 days of stock.
Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden said on Monday that the government had obtained alternative fuel supplies from Singapore that were due to arrive on 1 April and more later in the month, but at a higher cost.
With governments scrambling to find alternative sources of fuel, Zimbabwe has said it will increase the amount of ethanol it uses in its petrol, from 5% to 20%.
It has also announced plans to scrap some taxes on fuel imports to reduce fuel prices, which have risen 40% in less than a month.
One street vendor in the capital, Harare, said the prices of everything had shot up since the war in Iran began.
Nicole Mazarura, who sells soft drinks from a push cart, told the BBC she can't raise the price of the drinks so she has to bear the loss, while her transport costs had doubled.
If transport costs go back to where they were, I can survive, she said.
In Ethiopia, authorities have ordered fuel supply companies to prioritize security institutions and major government projects.
In Kenya, 20% of petrol stations are reportedly experiencing supply shortages, prompting the energy ministry to deny such claims, accusing retailers of hoarding.
Neighboring Uganda has assured citizens that the government is taking measures to ensure there is enough fuel, amid reports of shortages.
In South Africa, officials have stated that the country has sufficient supplies, but warn that a prolonged conflict could affect availability and prices.
Despite the current turmoil, some ports in southern Africa may benefit as vessels reroute around the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, with experts predicting increased pressure on port areas in southern Africa.
The ongoing conflict in Iran has heightened awareness of energy dependency, and its implications are being felt across the African continent.
}
